Device based on activity within property
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC system control methods rely on a single thermostat location, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining comfortable temperatures across different zones within a property, as they fail to account for varying environmental conditions and user locations.
Innovation Solution
A disaggregated thermostat system that utilizes sensors to gather data on environmental conditions and user locations across various zones, allowing for intelligent control of HVAC systems to maintain target temperatures and humidity levels in occupied areas while optimizing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single thermostat location is used to control HVAC systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature uniformity and comfort across different zones deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the property into multiple zones, each with its own temperature sensor and control capabilities. The HVAC system is segmented into multiple components (furnaces, air conditioners, fans) that can be independently controlled based on zone-specific conditions, allowing differentiated temperature management without requiring a single complex centralized thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality control by using individual temperature sensors in different zones to detect local environmental conditions. Each zone's HVAC components are controlled based on its specific temperature needs rather than a single centralized control point, ensuring that each area maintains appropriate temperature uniformity according to its local conditions.
2Device complexity
If HVAC systems operate without considering user locations, then the control system is simpler, but the user comfort in occupied zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user presence in occupied zones before adjusting HVAC operations. When sensors detect that a zone is occupied, the system proactively adjusts heating, cooling, and fan operations to maintain comfortable temperatures in advance of user needs, rather than reacting to temperature extremes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature conditions in occupied zones and adjusting HVAC component operations accordingly. Temperature sensors provide real-time feedback on environmental conditions, and the control system responds by modulating furnace, air conditioner, and fan operations to maintain user comfort in occupied areas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If HVAC systems continuously operate to maintain temperatures in all zones, then the temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by operating HVAC components only in occupied zones rather than continuously in all zones. When a zone is detected as unoccupied, heating, cooling, and fan operations in that zone are reduced or suspended, consuming minimal energy while maintaining temperature stability only where needed for user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by cycling HVAC components based on occupancy detection and temperature conditions. Fans, furnaces, and air conditioners operate periodically rather than continuously, adjusting their run cycles based on whether zones are occupied and whether temperature thresholds are met, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining stability in occupied areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Controller technology, in which data specifying a user preference relating to an environmental parameter for a property is received. Based on data collected by a monitoring system, a location of one or more users within the property is identified. Environmental condition data for the property is accessed, the environmental condition data including environmental condition data for the location of the users within the property and other unoccupied locations within the property. The environmental condition data for the property is analyzed with respect to the preference relating to the environmental parameter for the property. Based on the analysis of the environmental condition data for the property with respect to the preference relating to the environmental parameter for the property, a setting for at least one component of an HVAC system is determined. The at least one component of the HVAC system is controlled according to the determined setting.